Key Points
- FBI adds Ramirez Jr to Most Wanted 2026.
- Charged with two murders, one attempted.
- $1M reward for arrest information offered.
- Fled to Mexico after Federal Way shootings.
- Victims Katie Duhnke, Jessyca Hohn killed.
Federal Way (Evening Washington News) March 10, 2026 - The FBI has added Samuel Ramirez Jr., a 33-year-old suspect in a brutal double murder at Stars Bar & Grill, to its prestigious Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List, escalating a manhunt that has gripped Washington state for nearly three years. Authorities announced the development during a joint press conference on Tuesday, highlighting a massive reward increase to up to $1 million for information leading to his capture. This move in 2026 underscores the relentless pursuit of justice for the victims and their families amid fears the suspect has fled internationally.
What Led to the Double Murder at Stars Bar & Grill?
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of May 21, 2023, at the Stars Bar & Grill in Federal Way, Washington, a venue known for its late-night crowd. According to details from FOX 13 Seattle reporting, two women working as bartenders, later identified as Katie Duhnke and Jessyca Hohn, confronted a customer about bringing a gun into the establishment, sparking a heated dispute. As reported by investigators cited in FOX 13 Seattle, the confrontation spilled into the car park around 3:30 a.m., where shots rang out, fatally wounding Duhnke and Hohn while injuring a male customer.
Samuel Ramirez Jr. emerged as the prime suspect shortly after, with authorities believing the shooting stemmed directly from that altercation. As detailed in case documents obtained by KIRO7 News and KING5 News, as referenced in America's Most Wanted Fans forum discussions, Ramirez allegedly opened fire in the parking lot, leaving the two women dead and the third victim wounded. Federal Way Police Department quickly identified him as armed and dangerous, warning the public not to approach.
The victims' families have endured profound grief, with the community rallying around calls for justice. FOX 13 Seattle noted that the killings sent shockwaves through Federal Way, a city unaccustomed to such brazen violence at a local nightlife spot. This parking lot ambush marked a grim milestone, prompting immediate investigations by local and federal agencies.
Why Was Samuel Ramirez Jr. Added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List?
In a significant 2026 escalation, FBI Seattle, alongside the Federal Way Police Department, King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington, placed Samuel Ramirez Jr. on the elite Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. As announced at the March 10 press conference covered by FOX 13 Seattle, this designation, the 538th overall and 12th from Washington state aims to leverage global publicity for his capture.
Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of FBI Seattle emphasised during the event, as quoted by FOX 13 Seattle: "Tragically, we cannot bring back the lives lost in these senseless murders. Still, federal, state, local, and international law enforcement are committed to delivering justice to victims and their families by joining forces to arrest Ramirez and other dangerous fugitives who travel across state or national borders."
The list, established in 1950, has proven effective, with 500 of 538 fugitives apprehended thanks to public tips, per FBI statistics shared in the FOX 13 Seattle report. Ramirez marks the 12th from FBI Seattle cases, eight of whom were caught in Washington. This addition in 2026 reflects the case's cross-border complexity, amplifying visibility worldwide.
Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang vowed persistence, stating as reported by FOX 13 Seattle: "We will not rest until the killer is held accountable."
The joint effort signals a unified front against fugitives evading justice through flight.
What Are the Charges Against Samuel Ramirez Jr?
King County Superior Court issued a state arrest warrant on May 22, 2023, charging Samuel Ramirez Jr. with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree attempted murder. FOX 13 Seattle detailed how these charges arose mere days after the Stars Bar & Grill shooting, based on ballistic evidence and witness accounts linking him to the parking lot gunfire. A federal warrant followed on November 14, 2025, for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in the Western District of Washington.
As per BNO News reporting from December 2025, the charges stem from the deliberate killings of the two bartenders and the wounding of the customer during the dispute. Authorities consider the acts premeditated, given the suspect's alleged possession of a firearm inside the bar prior to the confrontation. No trial has occurred due to his fugitive status, but the indictments paint a picture of cold-blooded violence.
These severe accusations carry life sentences if convicted, underscoring the gravity as emphasised by prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney's Office involvement elevates the case federally, focusing on interstate and international flight.
How Did Samuel Ramirez Jr. Flee the Country?
Post-shooting, Samuel Ramirez Jr. wasted no time evading capture. According to FBI investigations cited by BNO News, he travelled to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, on May 23, 2023, where his parents reportedly drove him across the border into Tijuana, Mexico. FOX 10 Phoenix highlighted his Arizona ties in their December 2025 coverage, noting Lake Havasu City as a key stop en route south.
KOMO News reported in early 2026 that his parents facilitated the escape, driving him into Mexico shortly after the murders, a detail that has intensified scrutiny on family involvement. Authorities believe he remains at large south of the border, leveraging possible connections in Jalisco and Sinaloa regions. This swift flight prompted the initial "armed and dangerous" alerts from Federal Way Police.
The FBI's cross-border focus now includes international liaisons, with tips encouraged via U.S. embassies abroad. Ramirez's movements post-crime demonstrate calculated evasion, complicating extradition efforts.
What Is the Reward for Capturing Samuel Ramirez Jr.?
The incentive for public assistance skyrocketed in 2026 with the FBI boosting the reward to up to $1 million upon his Ten Most Wanted addition. FOX 13 Seattle reported this as a jump from the previous $250,000 standard and a November 14, 2025, offer of $25,000, aiming to spur global tips. The funds pool contributions from FBI, U.S. Department of State, and others, per the announcement.
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell addressed the community during the press conference, as quoted by FOX 13 Seattle: "On behalf of the City of Federal Way, I want to express our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the two women whose lives were tragically taken in this senseless act of violence at Stars Bar & Grill. This devastating crime has profoundly impacted our entire community. We are grateful for the tireless work of our law enforcement partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as they continue efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect. Violence has no place in our community, and we stand united in seeking justice."
This escalation reflects confidence in public participation's power.
Tips are directed to tips.fbi.gov or nearest FBI office, with international callers urged to U.S. consulates. The million-dollar bounty marks a pivotal 2026 strategy shift.
Who Is Samuel Ramirez Jr. and What Are His Ties?
Samuel Ramirez Jr., aged 33, stands 6 feet tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, and is described as a white Hispanic American male. FOX 13 Seattle provided his profile from FBI alerts, noting distinctive tattoos including a lion's face on his right wrist and forearm. He has known connections to Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Compton, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Jalisco and Sinaloa, Mexico regions potentially aiding his evasion.
Prior to the 2023 incident, little public detail emerged on his background, but America's Most Wanted Fans forum aggregated news snippets portraying him as a local figure whose dispute escalated fatally. Authorities deem him armed and dangerous, urging no direct confrontation. His physical markers aid identification posters now circulating globally via the FBI list. These ties span the U.S. Southwest to Mexican cartel heartlands, complicating the 2026 manhunt. FBI photos emphasise tattoos for public recognition.
What Is the History of the FBI Ten Most Wanted List?
Created in 1950, the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List harnesses media and public tips to capture notorious criminals. FOX 13 Seattle noted 500 of 538 listed fugitives apprehended, with public involvement key to success. Washington state claims 12 entries, eight arrested locally seven in Seattle, one in Spokane.
Ramirez Jr.'s 2026 inclusion as the 538th fugitive underscores the list's enduring role in high-profile cases like this double murder. It prioritises border-crossing threats, aligning perfectly with his Mexico flight. The programme's track record bolsters hopes for swift resolution.
Past successes demonstrate publicity's impact, from bank robbers to terrorists. Ramirez's case fits this mould of violent fugitives.
How Has the Community Responded to the Killings?
Federal Way reels from the Stars Bar & Grill tragedy, with Mayor Jim Ferrell's condolences echoing community anguish. As covered by FOX 13 Seattle, the mayor highlighted the "profound impact" on residents, uniting against violence. Families of Katie Duhnke and Jessyca Hohn have advocated tirelessly, their loss symbolising nightlife vulnerabilities.
Local vigils and calls for safety reforms followed the 2023 shootings, per scattered reports. Chief Andy Hwang's pledge resonates, fostering trust in law enforcement. The 2026 FBI escalation renews hope, galvanising tips from a shaken populace.
Businesses like Stars Bar & Grill faced scrutiny, but focus remains on justice. Community solidarity endures nearly three years on. Investigators allege Samuel Ramirez Jr.'s parents drove him from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, on May 23, 2023, per KOMO News and BNO News accounts. This familial aid allegedly enabled border crossing days post-murders, before warrants issued. FOX 10 Phoenix tied it to his Lake Havasu City stop, suggesting a planned route.
No charges against parents are public, but the detail fuels outrage. It illustrates evasion networks challenging authorities. FBI's international push targets such support systems. This parental involvement adds a layer of betrayal to the narrative.
When and How Can the Public Submit Tips?
The FBI implores information without self-action. FOX 13 Seattle directed tips to tips.fbi.gov, local law enforcement, or nearest FBI office. International sources should contact U.S. embassies or consulates, crucial given Mexico links. Anonymity options exist, protecting informants.
The $1 million reward incentivises credible leads. Past list successes credit public vigilance. In 2026, digital submission streamlines global input.
Authorities stress safety first, channeling tips professionally. This protocol maximises capture odds.